One thing we have to admit is that the enemy is clever. He’s knows how to quickly adjust to either provoke us to sin, or distract us from God. Remember, Peter wasn’t sinning when he stepped out of the boat and began to sink. He was just distracted with what was going on around Him and took His focus off of Jesus…
Matthew 14:29-30 (NKJV)
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous,[a] he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
But, storms and chaos are not the only distractions that we can allow to make us lose focus. Consider this verse…
Luke 21:34 (NKJV)
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly.
It’s not just partying, drinking, carousing and ‘sinning’ that can allow Jesus’ return to sneak up on us…but life.
Not just sin…but everyday life.
The cares of this life, our everyday lives can become a stumbling block if we allow them – Our families…Our careers…Our hobbies…Our leisure can come between us and our calling.
How many days have you put Jesus on the back burner? How many days have you totally ignored your calling. Not in the casino or strip club. Not with someone else’s husband or wife. Not cursing, lying, cheating or stealing, but…
Taking the kids to school or ball games…
Working over time…
Furthering your career…
Doing your yard work…
Customizing your vehicle…
Worrying about your bills…
Campaigning for your favorite politician…
Protesting for your favorite cause…
Even your church culture.
None of these things are necessarily sinful or wrong. But if we aren’t careful, we can go through an entire day without praying, studying God’s word, or sharing His love. In fact, if we aren’t careful, we can allow everyday life to harden our hearts.
BUSINESS CAN BE THE DEVIL’S WORKSHOP TOO!
God expects of to make the most of every opportunity for Him and be His representative everywhere we go…
Ephesians 5:15-16 (NIV)
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Colossians 4:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
I’m not saying your should be overbearing with your faith, and fill every conversation full of clichés and ‘praise the Lords’. That will only turn people away…CAN WE BE TOO RIGHTEOUS?
But, I am saying don’t allow an entire day go by without giving real quality time to God and your purpose.
I’m saying that sometimes there are opportunities to work your purpose into your daily routine.
But, I am saying don’t allow an entire day go by without giving real quality time to God and your purpose.
So many people are ready to claim that they would die for Christ, when they actually go day-in-and-day-out without living for Him.
Please don’t allow your life to get so busy that you leave God out.
BE BLESSTIFIED!
Wow! Another awesome one! I’ve come to this same conclusion about simply taking care of everyday business!..Truth at its finest!
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Thanks Adrianna:-) I have to constantly remind myself of this.
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Ur welcome! 🙂
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Ah yes. That is it. The “cares of life” are a huge distraction. May Jesus always come first.
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Yes my friend! A very subtle distraction. God bless!!!!
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You are very gifted in your posts at combining encouragement with admonishment, empathy with challenge. We need both. And it can be tricky to keep a balance. It is easy, in an effort to be positive, that we fail to give a word of challenge when necessary. Or the opposite – We are always admonishing and challenging, and fail to give positive words of encouragement or compassion. The church, and blog world, needs more like you Minister Aldtric.
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That is so sweet and encouraging. Thanks so much Laura. To God be the Glory. And, please feel free to call me Al my friend:-)
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Busyness is definitely a tool that the enemy can use, and DOES use, to get us distracted from God & HIS plans for our day. Let’s face it, he can’t stop us believers from being saved, but he can attempt to make our walk ineffective simply by keeping us busy. He’s crafty and sneaky. Sadly, this is one tool that I’ll admit that he tries to use on me often & unfortunately, succeeds more than I’d like to admit. Thanks for the reminder my friend! 👍😊
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You aren’t alone. I have to constantly remind myself of this too. Making a commitment to post once every day has helped me to stay focused. God bless you my friend:-)
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Amen!! So easy to let the cares of this world choke out our joy and spiritual purpose! Great post, Al!!
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Thanks! God bless you Lynn:-)
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Interesting take on it..Never thought about it in this light. Thanks for sharing! Your posts are always ones that others can learn from.
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Thanks my friend:-) To God be the glory.
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You welcome friend. =) 🙌🏾
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Words! Wisdom is indeed the principal thing. Talk is cheap but our actions are priceless.
Thank you for this. Speaks volumes sir.
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Thanks a million! Keep up the great work with your blog:-)
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I will and thank you too sir.
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